Anderson Varejao

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Varejão's time in Europe with FC Barcelona laid the groundwork for his NBA success. In the 2002–03 season, he helped Barcelona win their first-ever EuroLeague championship and a Liga ACB title, scoring a point in the EuroLeague final against Benetton Treviso. He returned to Spain for another ACB title in 2004 before joining Cleveland. His early NBA years were defined by hustle; as a rookie, he led the league in steals per turnover (1.58) and ranked fourth in offensive rebounds per 48 minutes. Though the record was not officially recognized, it highlighted the deep connection he formed with the Cleveland community.

In Their Own Story

In the 2012–13 season opener against Washington, Varejão nearly recorded a triple-double with nine points, nine assists (a career high), and 23 rebounds. Just two weeks later against Brooklyn, he exploded for a career-high 35 points alongside 18 rebounds in a loss to the Nets. His resilience was tested repeatedly; he suffered a torn foot tendon in 2011, a broken wrist in 2012, and a blood clot in his lung in January 2013 that ended his season. Despite these setbacks, he remained a defensive anchor, taking 99 charges in the 2006–07 season (an NBA high) and earning NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2010. His dedication culminated in winning the 2016 NBA Championship with Cleveland before retiring after his 14th professional season.

Reader's Guide

Varejão's career is a testament to durability and adaptability across four leagues: Brazil, Spain, Europe, and the NBA. In Cleveland, he averaged double figures in points and rebounds during several seasons, including a 2013–14 stretch where he posted career highs of 14.1 points and 14.4 rebounds per game over 25 games before his lung injury. He was known for specific clutch moments, such as drawing a charge from Chauncey Billups in the 2006 playoffs to prevent a game-winning shot by Richard Hamilton. His only successful three-pointer in 43 career attempts came on December 30, 2009, sealing a victory over Atlanta. Today, he continues his relationship with the Cavaliers as a global ambassador and player development consultant, maintaining the bridge between the franchise's past glory and its future.

Did You Know?

• Varejão scored the game-winning three-pointer in a 2009 victory over Atlanta, which was his only successful three-point attempt in 43 career tries.
• In the 2006–07 season, Varejão took 99 charges, the most in the entire NBA.
• Fans at Quicken Loans Arena attempted a Guinness World Record for 'most people wearing wigs' with 20,562 attendees celebrating Varejão's hairstyle in 2006.
• He helped FC Barcelona win their first-ever EuroLeague championship in the 2002–03 season.
• Varejão recorded a career-high 35 points and 18 rebounds in a single game against the Brooklyn Nets on November 13, 2012.